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Writer's pictureSara Sutherland

THE BIG CITY LIFE & ITS EFFECT ON HEALTH



If you like most people, the thought of living in a huge city is both thrilling and daunting.


The allure of endless activities and cultural experiences is tempting, but the reality of the high cost of living, noise pollution, and crowded streets can be overwhelming.


That is not to say, however, that big cities are big, round zeros.


Certainly, there are advantages to living in larger towns, but that does not mean we should ignore the negatives.


Without further ado, let us give you our 3 culprits of the big city life.



Air Pollution


Breathe in, breathe out. It's something we do automatically, up to 20,000 times a day.


But have you ever stopped to think about what exactly you're inhaling? In general, the air quality in big cities isn't the best.


The general population living in big cities is constantly bombarded with harmful air pollutants.


These dangerous pollutants have the potential to cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses and heart disease.


Given the potentially serious health effects of air pollution, it's important for people who live in big cities to be aware of the problem and take steps to protect themselves from exposure.


One way to do this is to limit time spent outdoors on days when the city is busy.


Additionally, people can install air purifiers in their homes to help filter out harmful particles from the air.


The best protective measure, however, is… Spending more time in nature!


By taking these simple precautions, people can reduce their risk of experiencing health problems caused by air pollution.



Hectic Life Dynamics


There's no doubt that city life can be hectic. From the general population and busy streets to the honking horns and never-ending construction, it can be hard to find a moment of peace.


These messed-up dynamics can, in fact, be passively bad for our health.


Why? Well, it’s simple - with a hectic lifestyle comes the inability to meet certain vital needs.


For instance, the big city life may often push us towards the tendency to eat bad foods on the go, become dehydrated without even feeling it, etc.


This is why, if you live in a busy city, it is important to set up a schedule and get your nutrition, water, and healthy movement, down to something concrete!


Certainly, though, amidst the chaos, there's an undeniable energy that pulsates through big cities.


It's the feeling that anything is possible and that you can find anything you're looking for - if you know where to look.


While city life may not be for everyone, there's no denying that it has a certain charm.


And for those who thrive in fast-paced environments, there's nowhere else they would rather be.



General Stress


Big cities can be stressful places to live. The general population is constantly on the go, trying to balance work and life and struggling to make time for relaxation and fun.


The noise level is often high, and the air can be polluted, as we already discussed.


On top of that, there is one big soul-destroyer - traffic.


All of this can take a toll on your mental and physical health. If you're feeling stressed out, you're not alone.


But there are some things you can do to manage your stress and find headspace and peace.



Finding The Balance


Anyone who's ever lived in a big city knows that the fast-paced, hectic lifestyle can be tough to balance.


With so much to see and do, it's easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget to take time for yourself.


However, it's important to find a way to strike a balance between work and play. If you're always on the go, you'll quickly burn out, and you'll miss out on all the great things life has to offer.


Take some time each week to explore your surroundings and discover new places.


Go for a walk in the park, visit a museum, or just unwind at the local coffee shop.


Even, go outside of town! If you have a car, find that sweet, nice backroad and discover new places.


You might be surprised at how much calmer and happier you feel when you take a break from the hustle and bustle.



Final Thoughts


While it’s certainly not for everyone, big city life does have its perks. From diverse cultures and cuisines to endless entertainment options, there’s always something new to explore in a city.


And if you’re looking for a little excitement, the fast-paced lifestyle of a metropolis is hard to beat.


Just be sure to keep your health in check by making time for exercise and eating healthy food —otherwise, all that stimulation can take its toll on your body and mind.


How do YOU deal with the stress of the big city? Comment below!







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